What is Arc Welding?

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What is Arc Welding?

Arc welding is a technique in which metals are welded using heat generated by an electric arc. The technique is performed using either direct or alternating current (although direct current is preferred) and uses manual, semiautomatic or fully automated processes. Arc welding is used today for the fabrication of steel structures and vehicles.

What safety gear is needed?

Welders wear protective gear which includes thick leather gloves, long-sleeved jackets, eye protection and take other measures to avoid injury because of the sparks, flames, and heat.

What are the different types of arc welding?

Unshielded arc welding: uses a large electrode or filler rod

Shielded arc welding: uses welding rods coated with fluxing material

Explain the various arc welding processes

Carbon arc welding — the welding heat comes from an electric arc between a carbon electrode and the work piece.

Metal arc welding — the metal electrode is melted by the heat of the arc and fused with the work. The arc is made using a metal electrode and the work piece.

Metallic inert gas (MIG) arc welding — the electrode is consumable; the filler metal is deposited by the arc, which is surrounded by an inert gas

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc welding — here the heat is produced by an arc between the non consumable tungsten electrode and the work piece. The welding zone is shielded by inert gas

Atomic hydrogen welding — the arc is obtained between two tungsten electrodes while a stream of hydrogen passes by the arc

Stud arc welding — a direct current arc welding process used for welding metal studs to the flat metal surfaces

Submerged arc welding — the arc is produced between a bare metal electrode and the work piece

Thermit welding — a mixture of iron oxide and aluminum known as thermit is ignited. One big advantage is that all parts of the weld section are molten at the same time so the weld cools uniformly. Thermit welding is used in joining iron and steel parts that are too large to be manufactured, such as large sections for steam and rail roads and locomotive frames, among other things.